Everyone knows the young are impressionable and it is critical to cultivate good habits at an early age. This is one of the methods employed by the Sibu Toilet Council (STC) in its initiative to improve toilet hygiene and maintenance in Sibu. Applying a two-pronged approach, STC will tackle both the young and old – first, getting adult users to change to better toilet habits; and second, teaching good toilet habits to children from primary to secondary schools.

In addition to the above strategy, STC is looking into promoting better designed and constructed toilets as well as raising standards of toilet maintenance. This is in line with the ‘Swan’ Town’s vision to lead the country in toilet cleanliness. However, the full cooperation of the people is necessary for this vision to be achieved, and STC’s tagline of “Clean Toilet, Happy Life” will bring home the point that everyone benefits from going to a clean and pleasant public toilet.

To publicly reward the communities’ effort in maintaining a clean toilet, the 314 toilets in coffeeshops and restaurants around Sibu will be graded based on a two to five star cleanliness rating system, with more stars given for higher cleanliness levels. The stars awarded will be indicated on a plaque, which
will be placed in a prominent area for all patrons to view. Other activities implemented by STC in its mission to be a leader in toilet cleanliness include training courses for toilet operators, supervisors and cleaners, and regular toilet cleaning campaigns.

On the national level, the Ministry of Housing & Local Government is in the process of setting up the Malaysia Toilet Organization (MTO), which will be affiliated to World Toilet Organization, in its aim to create better public awareness on the importance of keeping clean and beautiful toilets throughout Malaysia. Internationally, the second World Toilet Expo & Forum will be held from 16-18 November 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the theme “Happy Toilet, Healthy Life”. The event seeks to promote awareness and encourage participation from all sectors to assist in developing international standard public toilets and effective toilet management.